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Vivo X60

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The Vivo X60 is part of Vivo’s X-series lineup, which is known for its focus on camera capabilities and design. Here’s an in-depth review of the Vivo X60:

Overview:

Launched in early 2021, the Vivo X60 is positioned as a premium mid-range to flagship device within Vivo’s lineup, aiming to provide users with top-tier camera capabilities, performance, and design aesthetics.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Vivo’s Funtouch OS 11.1 on top.
  2. Display: 6.56-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2376 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Exynos 1080 (5 nm) for the global variant.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup co-engineered with ZEISS – 48 MP primary sensor with gimbal stabilization, 13 MP portrait lens, and 13 MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4300 mAh non-removable battery with 33W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, USB Type-C port, and stereo speakers.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The collaboration with ZEISS and the inclusion of gimbal stabilization ensures top-notch photography, especially in low-light conditions.
  2. Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth user experience.
  3. Performance: The Exynos 1080 chipset provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
  4. Design: The device boasts a sleek and premium design, making it visually appealing.
  5. Fast Charging: The 33W fast charging ensures a quick top-up of the battery.

Cons:

  1. Funtouch OS: While Funtouch OS has improved over the years, some users might prefer a cleaner software experience.
  2. Battery Life: The 4300 mAh battery might not be sufficient for heavy users, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate turned on.
  3. Lack of Wireless Charging: The device does not support wireless charging, which some users might expect in this price range.
  4. No Official IP Rating: The device lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Vivo X60 faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 9: Offering a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and a Hasselblad-branded camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy S21: Featuring a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Exynos 2100 (global) or Snapdragon 888 (USA), and a versatile camera setup.
  • Xiaomi Mi 11: With its 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and a 108 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Vivo X60 was announced in December 2020 and released in January 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters in the Funtouch OS, especially with third-party apps.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is top-notch, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Heating Issues: Some users reported the device getting warm during extended gaming sessions or while using the camera for prolonged periods.

Conclusion:

The Vivo X60 is a commendable offering in the premium segment, especially for users who prioritize camera capabilities. With its ZEISS collaboration, gimbal stabilization, and high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, it provides a premium smartphone experience. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the software experience and battery life, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who prioritize photography and display quality, the Vivo X60 is a strong contender in the premium market.

Samsung Galaxy S21

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Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S21

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is part of Samsung’s flagship S series and represents the company’s early 2021 offering. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S21:

Overview:

Launched in early 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 was introduced alongside its bigger siblings, the S21+ and the S21 Ultra. The S21 aimed to offer flagship features at a slightly more accessible price point compared to the Ultra variant.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, overlaid with Samsung’s One UI 3.1.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: International models used the Exynos 2100, while the USA versions featured the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.
  4. Memory: 8 GB RAM with options of 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor, 64 MP telephoto lens, and 12 MP ultrawide sensor. A 10 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging support.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 water and dust resistance, 5G connectivity, and stereo speakers.

Pros:

  1. Compact Design: For users looking for a more manageable phone size without compromising on flagship features, the S21 fit the bill.
  2. Display: The 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations.
  3. Performance: Both the Exynos 2100 and Snapdragon 888 provided top-tier performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming.
  4. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup allowed for a range of photography options, from ultrawide shots to 3x hybrid optical zoom.
  5. Software: One UI 3.1 offered a plethora of features, customization options, and a more streamlined Android experience.

Cons:

  1. Plastic Back: Unlike its predecessors and its more expensive siblings, the S21 featured a plastic (or “glasstic”) back, which felt less premium.
  2. No Expandable Storage: The S21 did away with the microSD card slot, a feature that had long been a staple of Samsung flagships.
  3. Lower Resolution: The S21’s display resolution was reduced to Full HD+ from the Quad HD+ found in the S20, though this was less noticeable given the screen size.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2021, the Galaxy S21 faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • iPhone 12: Apple’s offering with its A14 Bionic chip, OLED display, and iOS ecosystem.
  • OnePlus 9: Known for its performance, OxygenOS, and partnership with Hasselblad for camera improvements.
  • Google Pixel 5: Google’s more modest 2020 flagship known for its clean software and camera capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 was announced in January 2021 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Exynos vs. Snapdragon: As with previous Samsung flagships, there was debate and comparison between the performance and efficiency of the Exynos and Snapdragon variants. Some users felt the Exynos model lagged slightly behind in terms of battery life and heat management.
  2. Battery Life: While the battery life was generally decent, the combination of 5G and the 120Hz display could lead to faster drain under heavy use.
  3. Camera Software: Some users noted that, in certain conditions, the post-processing on photos could be aggressive, leading to over-sharpened images.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 represented a slight shift in Samsung’s strategy, offering a more affordable flagship without some of the ultra-premium materials and features of its bigger siblings. For many users, the S21 struck a good balance between price, features, and performance. While it had its compromises, it remained a compelling option for those in the market for a high-end smartphone experience without the highest-end price.

Motorola Moto G Power (2021)

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The Moto G Power (2021) is a part of Motorola’s G series, which has been known for offering reliable performance and features at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto G Power (2021):

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Moto G Power (2021) is positioned as a budget-friendly device within Motorola’s lineup, with a particular emphasis on battery life, staying true to its “Power” moniker.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10.
  2. Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662.
  4. Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 2 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 10W charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a water-repellent design.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery can easily last more than a day with moderate use, living up to its “Power” name.
  2. Stock Android Experience: Motorola’s near-stock Android experience is clean and user-friendly, with minimal bloatware.
  3. Expandable Storage: The presence of a microSD slot allows users to expand storage if needed.
  4. Reliable Performance: The Snapdragon 662, while not the most powerful, offers consistent performance for everyday tasks.
  5. Value for Money: The device offers a good balance of specifications for its price point.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution might not be as sharp as some other devices in its category that offer FHD+ displays.
  2. Camera Performance: While the primary sensor is decent for well-lit scenarios, the overall camera performance can be inconsistent, especially in low light.
  3. Charging Speed: The 10W charging might feel slow, especially when charging the large 5000 mAh battery from a low percentage.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto G Power (2021) faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 10: Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 678, and a 48 MP primary camera.
  • Realme Narzo 30: Known for its MediaTek Helio G95, 90Hz display, and a 5000 mAh battery with faster charging.
  • Samsung Galaxy A22: With its Super AMOLED display, MediaTek Helio G80, and a 48 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Moto G Power (2021) was announced in January 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates or patches, especially for the latest Android versions.
  2. Camera Processing: The image processing can sometimes produce washed-out or over-sharpened results, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Build Quality: The plastic build, while durable, might not feel as premium as some other devices in its category.

Conclusion:

The Moto G Power (2021) is a solid offering in the budget segment, especially for users who prioritize battery life. With its clean software experience, reliable performance, and long-lasting battery, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are areas where compromises are evident, such as the display resolution and camera setup, the overall package is compelling for those looking for a no-nonsense, value-oriented device. For users seeking a balance between battery life, performance, and price, the Moto G Power (2021) is a strong contender.

Sony Xperia 5 II

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The Sony Xperia 5 II (often referred to as the “Sony Xperia 5 Mark II”) is a part of Sony’s premium lineup for 2020. Positioned as a more compact alternative to the flagship Xperia 1 II, it packs many of the high-end features of its larger sibling into a smaller form factor. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia 5 II:

Overview:

Introduced in 2020, the Xperia 5 II builds on the foundation set by the Xperia 5, offering a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and multimedia features in a more compact and pocket-friendly design.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.1-inch OLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels, supporting HDR10+, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 21:9 aspect ratio.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.
  4. Memory: 8 GB RAM with options of 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor, 12 MP telephoto lens, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The camera system benefits from technology and expertise from Sony’s Alpha camera series. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP65/IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated shutter button for the camera.

Pros:

  1. Compact Design: One of the few phones in the market to offer flagship-level specs in a compact form factor.
  2. High Refresh Rate Display: The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals and a responsive touch experience.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The collaboration with Sony’s Alpha series brings professional-grade features to the camera system, including real-time Eye AF and Photography Pro mode.
  4. Audio Experience: Front-facing stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack cater to audiophiles.
  5. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 865, the device offers smooth and responsive performance.

Cons:

  1. Price: Positioned as a premium device, the Xperia 5 II comes with a relatively high price tag.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware is impressive, some users felt that the camera software could be improved for better image processing, especially in low-light scenarios.
  3. Battery Life: While the 4000 mAh battery is decent, the high refresh rate and powerful internals might strain the battery with heavy use.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia 5 II faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20: Offering a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990), and a versatile camera setup.
  • iPhone 12: With its Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple A14 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system.
  • OnePlus 8T: Featuring a Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 865, and a quad-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia 5 II was announced in September 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Scanner Sensitivity: Some users reported occasional misreads or sensitivity issues with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
  2. Software Updates: As with other Sony models, some users expressed concerns about the speed and frequency of software updates.
  3. Camera Autofocus: Some users reported occasional autofocus inconsistencies, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia 5 II is a compelling option for users who desire flagship specifications in a more compact and manageable size. It stands out in the premium segment due to its unique features, such as the 21:9 display, professional-grade camera capabilities, and a focus on audio quality. While it does come with a premium price tag and has a few areas of improvement, it offers a balanced and premium smartphone experience, especially for multimedia enthusiasts and photography aficionados.